With Earth Day around the corner, being observed this year on April 22, and the U.S. having experienced $182.7 billion in damage from weather and climate disasters during 2024, the personal-finance company WalletHub has released its report on 2026’s Greenest States, as well as expert commentary, in order to showcase the states that best protect our environment.

WalletHub compared the 50 states in terms of 28 key metrics that speak to the current health of the environment and residents’ environmental-friendliness. The data set ranges from green buildings per capita to the share of energy consumption from renewable resources.

Greenness of California (1=Greenest, 25=Avg.):

Overall Rank: 3rd

26th – Soil Quality

6th – LEED-Certified Buildings per Capita

8th – % of Renewable Energy Consumption

2nd – Energy Consumption per Capita

5th – Gasoline Consumption (in Gallons) per Capita

Overall rankings show Vermont coming in at number one, followed by Hawaii, California, New York and Washington rounding out the top five. At the bottom of the list, Mississippi was at number 46, followed by Kentucky Alabama, Louisiana and, at number 50, West Virginia.

For the full report, visit: https://wallethub.com/edu/greenest-states/11987

“It’s important for every American to do their part to support greener living and protect our environment. However, it’s much easier being green in some states than others. For example, if a state doesn’t have a great infrastructure for alternative-fuel vehicles, it becomes much harder for residents to adopt that technology. Living in a green state is also very beneficial for the health of you and your family, as you benefit from better air, soil and water quality,” said WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo. “Vermont is the greenest state in America, in part because it has the most organic-farm acreage per capita. Vermont also has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions per capita and the third-lowest methane emissions per capita. In addition, the Green Mountain State is also paving the way for a future where more people drive clean vehicles, as it has the highest number of alternative fuel stations per capita.”

Expert Commentary

What policies can state and local authorities pursue to make their communities more environmentally friendly?

“Local authorities can plant more trees and develop more green spaces, encourage infills and denser urban development as well as provide efficient and effective mass transit.”

Scott Thorne, Ph.D. – Instructor, Southeast Missouri State University

“State and local leaders have the most direct impact on the environment through smart zoning and modernizing building codes. Facts, according to 2026 urban planning reports, show that cities implementing mandatory green roofing and high-efficiency insulation standards see a 12 percent drop in municipal energy costs within three years … When authorities invest in protected bike lanes and expanded public transit, they increase local property values and boost foot traffic for small businesses. Municipalities should prioritize energy-efficient building mandates and walkable infrastructure to lower public costs and increase local economic vitality.”

Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

Is there an inherent tradeoff between protecting the environment and promoting economic growth?

“Many politicians argue there is a tradeoff between the two but the evidence indicates otherwise. The growth of ecotourism has provided a booster to the economies of many African and southeast Asian nations. Consumers today are reaping the benefits of environmental production started during the 1970s. For example, passenger cars produced during that era got an average of 12-15 MPG compared to 25 to 30 miles per gallon today, at a time when gas prices are far higher.”

Scott Thorne, Ph.D. – Instructor, Southeast Missouri State University

“The idea that we must choose between a healthy planet and a healthy paycheck is an outdated myth that the current economy is quickly debunking. According to the 2026 Clean Energy Labor Report, jobs in renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing grew four times faster than the national average this year. Sustainable business practices are essentially a form of extreme efficiency that reduces waste and lowers long-term operational risks. By decoupling growth from resource depletion, states ensure their economies remain resilient against the rising costs of climate-related disasters. Leaders must embrace the transition to a low-carbon economy as the primary driver of new jobs and long-term financial stability.”

Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University

What is the single most impactful thing an individual can do to reduce their effect on the environment?

“Since food accounts for so much of an individual’s carbon footprint, reducing the amount of meat consumed in favor of more plants would significantly reduce their effect on the environment. As Michael Pollan said ‘Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.’”

Scott Thorne, Ph.D. – Instructor, Southeast Missouri State University

“While many focus on small habits, the most powerful move an individual can make is upgrading home energy systems to high-efficiency electric models. Facts from the Department of Energy show that installing a modern heat pump can slash a household’s carbon footprint by up to 40 percent and save homeowners over $1,000 annually. Individuals should focus on high-impact home energy upgrades to achieve the greatest possible reduction in their personal and social carbon footprint.”

Andrew Burnstine, Ph.D. – Associate Professor, Lynn University